Deadline to Apply for Homestead Exclusion is Drawing Near
HARRISBURG - Individuals seeking relief on this year's school property tax bills are being urged to apply for homestead/farmstead exclusions prior to March 1, according to Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint).
Many individuals may have already filed applications for this benefit several years ago when the Homeowner Tax Relief Act was enacted. Applications remain valid for a minimum of three years. Homeowners may want to verify the status of their applications by consulting their county assessment office.
Individuals qualify for a homestead exclusion so long as the property for which they are applying is their primary residence. A farmstead exclusion is also available for buildings and structures that are used for commercial agriculture production on a farm of at least 10 acres. Again, the farm must be the primary residence of the owner to qualify.
If one's application is accepted, a portion of the property's assessed value is exempt from the property tax, thus lowering the overall tax bill. The state is then responsible for the difference between the two amounts, using proceeds from gambling revenue to pay the balance.
Benefits from this program will vary widely depending on the school district in which the individuals resides. The Homeowner Tax Relief Act, which is also known as Act 1, requires that the state distribute a minimum of $400 million in property tax relief.
In McKean County, applications are available from your school district of residence and should be returned to the county assessment office (telephone 814-887-3215). In Cameron County and Potter County, applications are available at the county assessment offices. The Cameron County Assessment Office can be reached at 814-486-0723. The Potter County Assessment Office can be reached at 814-274-0488.
Many individuals may have already filed applications for this benefit several years ago when the Homeowner Tax Relief Act was enacted. Applications remain valid for a minimum of three years. Homeowners may want to verify the status of their applications by consulting their county assessment office.
Individuals qualify for a homestead exclusion so long as the property for which they are applying is their primary residence. A farmstead exclusion is also available for buildings and structures that are used for commercial agriculture production on a farm of at least 10 acres. Again, the farm must be the primary residence of the owner to qualify.
If one's application is accepted, a portion of the property's assessed value is exempt from the property tax, thus lowering the overall tax bill. The state is then responsible for the difference between the two amounts, using proceeds from gambling revenue to pay the balance.
Benefits from this program will vary widely depending on the school district in which the individuals resides. The Homeowner Tax Relief Act, which is also known as Act 1, requires that the state distribute a minimum of $400 million in property tax relief.
In McKean County, applications are available from your school district of residence and should be returned to the county assessment office (telephone 814-887-3215). In Cameron County and Potter County, applications are available at the county assessment offices. The Cameron County Assessment Office can be reached at 814-486-0723. The Potter County Assessment Office can be reached at 814-274-0488.
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